### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H8638 (תִּרְגַּם, *tirgam*) is a denominative verb derived from רָגַם (ragam, `{{H7275}}`), which primarily signifies "to stone" or "to throw." However, the denominative form H8638 takes on a highly metaphorical sense, specifically "to throw over" in the context of transferring meaning. This yields the core semantic range of "to translate" or "to interpret." It denotes the process of rendering information from one linguistic or conceptual framework into another, making it comprehensible to a different audience or in a different context. The essence of H8638 is therefore the bridging of understanding, the conveyance of meaning across a barrier, whether that barrier is linguistic, cultural, or contextual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H8638 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Ezra:
* **[[Ezra 4:7]]**: "And in the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their associates wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in Aramaic and *translated* (וּמְתֻרְגָּם) into Aramaic."
This solitary occurrence provides a crucial, albeit unique, insight into its usage. The phrase "וּמְתֻרְגָּם אֲרָמִית" (u'methurgam Aramith), literally "and translated Aramaic," presents a textual nuance. If the letter was already "written in Aramaic," then "translated into Aramaic" seems redundant if understood as an inter-linguistic translation. Scholars interpret this in several ways, suggesting that H8638 here signifies:
1. **Interpretation or Explanation**: The Aramaic text was formally interpreted or explained for the king's full understanding, perhaps clarifying specific legal or administrative terminology within the same language.
2. **Official Designation**: It might indicate that the letter was not only written in Aramaic but also officially declared or designated as an Aramaic document, perhaps in terms of script or official language.
3. **Formal Rendition**: It could refer to the process of formally rendering the letter from a common Aramaic dialect into a more formal or official Aramaic suitable for royal decree or archiving.
Regardless of the precise nuance, the context in [[Ezra 4:7]] highlights the administrative and communicative function of H8638. It underscores the importance of clarity and official recognition in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and governance, where accurate conveyance of messages was paramount. The word, therefore, points to the meticulous care taken in ensuring that official communications were fully understood and properly recorded.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which H8638 is derived:
* רָגַם (ragam, `{{H7275}}`): Meaning "to stone" or "to throw," it provides the metaphorical basis of "throwing over" or "transferring." This etymological link suggests that translation/interpretation is an act of moving something (meaning) from one place to another, much like throwing.
Other related concepts include:
* **Communication**: The broader act of conveying information.
* **Understanding**: The goal of interpretation is to achieve comprehension.
* **Hermeneutics**: The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of biblical texts.
* **Aramaic**: The lingua franca of the Persian Empire (and parts of the Hebrew Bible), necessitating the very act of translation and interpretation.
* Words denoting "speaking," "explaining," "declaring," or "making clear" in various contexts.
### Theological Significance
While H8638 itself appears in a secular, administrative context, the underlying concept of "translation" or "interpretation" holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Communication**: God consistently reveals Himself and His will to humanity in ways that can be understood. This divine condescension, speaking in human language and through human agents, is an act of "translation" from the infinite to the finite.
2. **Prophetic Ministry**: Prophets often served as interpreters of God's direct word, taking divine revelation and rendering it comprehensible to the people. They "translated" the divine message into human terms and contexts.
3. **Scriptural Preservation and Transmission**: The very existence of the Hebrew Bible and its subsequent translations into Greek (Septuagint), Aramaic (Targums), and countless other languages throughout history, is a testament to the ongoing need for "translation" and "interpretation" to make God's word accessible to all generations and cultures. This process is vital for the spread of divine truth.
4. **Hermeneutical Imperative**: The task of biblical scholarship and preaching is fundamentally one of interpretation – taking the ancient text and making its timeless truths relevant and understandable for contemporary audiences. This requires careful and reverent "translation" of meaning across historical and cultural divides.
5. **Bridging the Divide**: Just as H8638 bridges a linguistic or contextual divide in Ezra, so too does God's redemptive plan bridge the divide between a holy God and sinful humanity, ultimately through the Incarnation of Christ, who perfectly "interpreted" or revealed the Father ([[John 1:18]]).
### Summary
H8638 (תִּרְגַּם, *tirgam*) is a rare but significant Hebrew verb meaning "to translate" or "to interpret," derived from a root meaning "to throw" (metaphorically, "to transfer"). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezra 4:7]] highlights its function in official communication, denoting the precise rendering or interpretation of a document, even within the same language, for clarity and formal recognition. Though found in a secular context, the concept embodied by H8638—the accurate and comprehensible transfer of meaning—is foundational to understanding God's desire to communicate His truth to humanity, the role of prophetic revelation, and the ongoing task of making the divine word accessible across all times and cultures. It underscores the profound importance of bridging understanding, whether in ancient administration or in the eternal truths of faith.
TRV